Automakers continue to push the designs of small and midsize SUVs, looking for the right mix of agility, athleticism, and capability.
The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport and 2024 Toyota Venza offer two different looks on that theme. With both being smaller midsize SUVs, coupe-like exterior styling lends them a sportier, nimbler look. However, make no mistake, these are still people and cargo haulers at heart.
Let’s check out these two smaller midsize SUVs.
2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
To create the 2024 Atlas Cross Sport 2-row SUV, Volkswagen took the simple, clean look of its 3-row Atlas SUV and gave it a more aggressive exterior — including the new coupe-style roof line — with a smaller body.
While it may be a bit smaller, it retains most of the other benefits of its larger sibling, starting with the 269-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with available all-wheel drive (AWD). The new drivetrain is a significant step up from its predecessor, helping it keep pace with the competition.
The other big change is the interior, which sees significant upgrades to the materials used and the addition of a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen. While it features the sloping roof line typical of coupe-style SUVs, the cargo space and rear seating are still very generous. Pricing starts at $38,410, including destination charge.
Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Highlights
Great sound: Not only is the cabin more comfortable, but it’s practically a concert hall when you upgrade to the Harman Kardon premium audio system. This 400-watt system delivers breathtaking sound through 12 speakers throughout the vehicle.
Safety tech: IQ.DRIVE driver assistance tech features add safety and convenience to the Atlas Cross Sport. It has automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-centering, and more. It also earned a 5-Star crash rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Digital Cockpit Pro: Standard in the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, this customizable 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster displays vehicle data, music info, navigation maps, and more.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Atlas Cross Sport models near you.
2024 Toyota Venza
A stylish 2-row SUV with room for five, the 2024 Venza comes standard with AWD. Additionally, it’s a hybrid. Its looks, capability, and efficiency make it a must-see option when comparison shopping in the segment.
Check out the Venza’s cabin, and you’ll find a spacious, comfortable, premium interior with the latest technology. A 12.3-inch touchscreen provides a clear look at where you’re going and what you’re listening to. With plush front seats and plenty of room for everyone, it’s easy to see why some might consider this rather than one of Toyota’s more affordable SUVs.
It comes in four trim levels in ascending order: LE, XLE, Nightshade Edition, and Limited. There is only one engine choice, a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder hybrid. Pricing starts at $36,465, including destination charge.
Toyota Venza Highlights
Safety first: The brand’s Safety Sense 2.5+ suite of safety technology comes standard on the Venza. It includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and intersection assistance. A 5-Star rating from NHTSA only enhances its reputation for safety.
Panoramic view: Plenty of crossovers enjoy large moonroofs that give the cabin a light, airy feel. However, they often come with a sun shade that can be difficult to operate. The Venza, however, transforms the fixed glass in its panoramic Star Gaze roof from transparent to opaque at the press of a button.
Gas sipper: With outstanding fuel economy for a midsize crossover at 40 city/37 highway/39 combined, you’ll spend less on gas than with the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Venza models near you.
Similarities
The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport and Toyota Venza make the most of the sportier, more athletic-looking exteriors popular in the smaller midsize SUV segment right now. With a coupe-like roof line yet ample seating for five passengers, they’re certainly among the “must-see” models in the segment.
Conclusion
The most recent round of updates for the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport gives it a leg up on much of the competition in this segment, including the Toyota Venza. The upgraded powertrain is a significant differentiator, with the VW enjoying 50 more hp. However, the Venza is less expensive to start and comes standard as a hybrid, giving it a massive advantage in fuel economy. If you want to pay more for gas and enjoy a bit more interior space, then the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is the choice.
| 2024 VW Atlas Cross Sport | 2024 Toyota Venza | |
| Starting Price | $38,410 | $36,465 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder hybrid |
| Horsepower | 269 hp @ 5,500 rpm | 219 hp @ 5,700 rpm |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm | 163 lb-ft @ 5,200 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | CVT/AWD |
| Fuel Economy | 20 city/27 highway/23 combined mpg | 40 city/37 highway/39 combined mpg |
| Also Available | AWD | 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 117.3 inches | 105.9 inches |
| Overall Length | 195.6 inches | 186.6 inches |
| Width | 78.3 inches | 73.0 inches |
| Height | 68.1 inches | 65.9 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 40.0 feet | 36.1 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.4 inches | 38.6 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 37.8 inches | 39.0 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.7 inches | 40.9 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 40.4 inches | 37.8 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 61.5 inches | 57.4 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 60.4 inches | 56.9 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 40.3 cubic feet | 28.8 cubic feet |
